Building Beloved Kids Content with Lion Forge Entertainment ’s SVP of Animation, Koyalee Chanda

Join the Children's Media Association for an inspiring conversation with Koyalee Chanda, seven-time Emmy-nominated producer, director, and creative executive currently at Lion Forge Entertainment.

With more than 25 years in children’s media, Koyalee has helped shape some of the most iconic and beloved kids properties of all time, including Sesame Street, Blue's Clues, The Backyardigans, and Odd Squad. From directing episodes of Blue’s Clues at just 23 years old to developing award-winning content for Netflix Animation, Hello Sunshine, and beyond, Koyalee’s career has been defined by innovative storytelling, authentic representation, and creating content that resonates across generations.

In this virtual conversation, Koyalee will share insights into developing meaningful animated stories for today’s audiences, navigating the evolving kids content landscape, and building a lasting career in animation and family entertainment.

KOYALEE'S BIO--

Prior to joining Lion Forge Entertainment, Koyalee (KWAY-LEE) served as VP of Kids and Animation at Hello Sunshine, where she developed and produced animated projects across social, streaming, and original IP. She also previously held the role of VP of Production and Development at Netflix Animation under Chris Nee’s Laughing Wild banner, contributing to early development on the Emmy Award-winning series Ada Twist, Scientist and We the People, both produced alongside Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground.

Throughout her career, Koyalee has collaborated with leading studios and brands including Apple TV+, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, Scholastic and Sesame Workshop. Her credits include developing Where's Waldo? for DreamWorks, serving as Voice Director on The Backyardigans, Co-Executive Producing Wallykazam!, and co-creating the scripted comedy podcast This Podcast Has Fleas.

As the daughter of South Asian immigrants, Koyalee still jokes that medical school remains her “backup plan” to keep her parents happy.